The international scene continues to change post-FIFA World Cup, with nations dealing with the fallout from the tournament.

In the latest news, Netherlands have announced Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez as their new head coach on a four-year contract.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) have finalized a marquee appointment by bringing in the Spaniard for his first taste of international football.

Xavi's contract will run until 2030, meaning that he will be in charge of the team for Euro 2028 and the qualification process for the next edition of the World Cup in four years' time.

Xavi Takes Charge of the Netherlands Until 2030

KNVB have taken a leaf out of Barcelona's playbook by bringing in Xavi after Ronald Koeman.

Five years ago, the Catalan giants followed a similar path, replacing Koeman with then-Al Sadd head coach Xavi.

Koeman resigned from his position as head coach of the Oranje after a disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup this summer.

They were eliminated by Morocco at the Round of 32 stage, with the performance of the team in that game attracting significant criticism for how much they strayed from their principles of football.

Earlier this week, former Portugal boss Roberto Martinez was named as the frontrunner for the position, with ex-Liverpool boss Arne Slot having turned down the opportunity, preferring to continue in club football.

Netherlands have appointed Xavi on a four-year deal until the summer of 2030.

This is the first job taken up by the Spaniard since he was sacked by Barcelona in 2024. It also marks his full return to the spotlight since his feud with the Spanish club.

He has been chosen as the man to steer the Oranje through their upcoming tournament cycles.

Xavi and Kluivert Continue the Netherlands' Barcelona Connection

The Netherlands have continued their Cruyffian heritage by appointing a former Barcelona boss for a third successive spell.

Koeman replaced Louis van Gaal, and has now been replaced by Xavi.

The appointment ensures the continuation of the partnership which bridges Dutch Total Football with positional play identity from Barcelona.

Both philosophies are linked by Johan Cruyff, who played for the Netherlands and Barcelona before coaching the Spanish giants.

Xavi has named Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert as his assistant for the role, bringing in crucial domestic support from a familiar face.

He played with Kluivert at Barcelona, and they will now work together to deliver glory back to Dutch football.

Building Towards Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup

KNVB have demonstrated their commitment to a complete overhaul of the tactical framework of the national team by hiring Xavi Hernandez on a long-term deal.

They have provided the structural stability required to carry out the overhaul, giving the Spaniard the tools he needs.

Xavi inherits a squad of some of the finest players in Europe's biggest teams, and his task is to immediately establish principles of midfield control and quality attacking combinations in the team.

His first task will be to take on Jurgen Klopp's Germany next month, before further games against Serbia, Greece, and Serbia again, all in the UEFA Nations League.